• Retired NASA astronaut Suni “Suni” Williams will run in the 130th Boston Marathon.
  • The Boston Athletic Association will honor her with the Patriots’ Award.
  • Williams previously completed 26.2 miles in space from the International Space Station in 2007.
  • Her connection to the race dates back to running part of it barefoot at age 17.

Astronaut returns to Boston Marathon

Retired NASA astronaut Suni Williams announced she will run the 130th Boston Marathon. The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) will also honor Williams with its Patriots’ Award, given to someone who is patriotic, philanthropic and inspirational.

Williams said age played a role in the decision — “I turned 60 this year, so why not give it another shot?” — and she plans to take on the course with the same determination she showed during her space career.

A unique Boston-Marathon history

Williams’ connection to Boston’s signature race stretches back decades. At 17 she ran part of the course from Hopkinton without proper running shoes after her mother dropped her off and left with a quarter and a promise to call if she ran into trouble. She later made headlines in 2007 when she became the first person to complete the marathon distance — 26.2 miles — while aboard the International Space Station.

That extraordinary feat helped cement Williams’ place in both running and space history. Now, she returns to the city and the race in person.

Patriots’ Award and public recognition

The B.A.A.’s Patriots’ Award recognizes individuals who represent patriotic spirit, give back to their communities and inspire others. Organizers selected Williams for the honor in recognition of her long record of service, leadership and public engagement.

Race organizers and fans say Williams embodies the mix of grit and goodwill the award celebrates. She has used her public platform to promote science, education and fitness, making her a familiar figure to both local marathoners and space enthusiasts.

Watch the interview

WCVB spoke with Williams about the decision to run and her memories of Boston. Watch the full interview on WCVB’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/wcvbtv

What to expect

Williams’ participation adds a human-interest storyline to this year’s marathon. Expect local media attention and a warm reception from runners and spectators who know her background. She’s said she’ll remember her shoes this time — a nod to that teenage barefoot run — and plans to enjoy the experience as she marks a milestone year.

The 130th Boston Marathon will bring elite competitors, charity runners and community participants to the course as always. Williams’ presence recalls the race’s long history of personal stories and remarkable achievements, both on Earth and beyond it.

(Reporting date: Feb. 12, 2026 — original coverage by Phil Tenser, WCVB.)

Image Referance: https://www.wcvb.com/article/suni-williams-boston-marathon-astronaut/70299796